Transition into fall with 4 easy pieces.

Fall is without a doubt the most beautiful season of the year. Crispy leaves, golden tones and the last few bright red sunsets of summer. It does however make for difficult dressing. Summer dresses and sandals dismissed, cold mornings lure you into layering up for the day. But by the time the midday lunch run comes around, this becomes sweaty business – the sun is out in full force and you are wrapped up in a cashmere sweater!

Fear not however – fall dressing need not be so stressful. It may surprise you at how many transitional pieces are already in your wardrobe. But if you are in need of some inspiration, check out our favorite online (sustainable fashion) picks of the season below, many are as friendly on the purse strings as they are on the environment, and can be worn right the way through from fall to next summer.

THE DRESS

This 100% organic silk dress by Edun is the perfect base piece for an outfit in any season. For fall, team with some chunky heeled ankle boots and socks for easy day time chic. As winter sets in, add some thick black opaques into the mix, and cozy up with a waist length biker jacket topped off with a comfy gilet and chunky knit scarf, to create a practical yet edgy winter look.

To make this already perfect dress even better, it’s a steal reduced by 50% to $222.50 on the Edun website.

THE SHIRT

With their first collection debuting in 2011 and being a huge success, century old brand Pendelton uses home grown fabrics and create every garment in their Oregon based factory. A wardrobe essential, the denim shirt is easily transitioned through all seasons. Wear now tucked into brightly colored pants as seen above, and add some cute flats and a chunky belt. For colder weather, button to the top and layer with a chunky knit sweater and straight leg pants underneath an oversized coat for off-duty weekend style.

Grab this staple piece online at Nordstrom for $80.00

THE SKIRT

Model and actress Liya Kebede’s label LemLem supports workers in her home country of Ethiopia, by preserving the art of handweaving and inspiring economic independence amongst the people. This cotton striped knee length skirt with recycled coconut buttons is the perfect purchase to help a good cause and update your fall look. Team this fun skirt with a simple trench as above for fall, and gradually mix in layers of colorful chunky knits and thick woolen tights to keep your mood bright  through the winter season.
Skirt $240 available online at LemLem

THE PANTS

London based label Chinti & Parker aims to create ethically conscious garments using sustainable fabrics, yet not compromising on style. These adorable cotton star print straight leg trousers can be dressed up with a smart silk blouse and heels or kept simple with a casual cashmere sweater and brogues. In the winter, wear tucked into biker boots with a leather jacket and chunky knit accessories.
Cotton Trousers, $265 at NET-A-PORTER

Image: Martinak15

The post 4 Key Wardrobe Staples to Take You Through Fall appeared first on EcoSalon.

Dude, got your squeeze for Saturday night? No, not your date, mister; your girdle and slimming undershirt! I know what you are thinking. Spanx; I needed that! I needed tummy control and penis definition.

And even those of you who don’t truly need it, those with tight abs and buns, might still get swept up in the trend the way skinny gals do, heeding any and every opportunity to look even skinnier. We live in America. Isn’t  skinny what really counts underneath it all?

Yep, in the battle of the bulge the undergarment of the century is now a male weapon of choice, stockpiled on the shelves of men’s departments at stores like Neiman’s, Bloomies or  Nordstrom, where you can peel one on, suck it in and smooth it all out before you try on that $2,000 Boss suit.

Look for them on the red carpet (I’m wearing Armani and a Spanx Compression Tank),  at weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and black tie fundraisers. Just keep in mind what savvy women Spanxters know too well: After that third dessert, the torso trimmer will act like a tourniquet and turn on you. If you feel you need oxygen, put down the funnel cake. I repeat, put down the funnel cake!

The New York Times calls them men’s shapewear, which is a bit prissy for my taste, and reports that retail sales are booming. Apparently fashion directors at both stores and web sites like Freshpair boast Spanx can’t make em fast enough to fill the orders. No wonder I’ve been ogling young San Francisco men lately, thinking, “I admire their shape.” And here I thought I was a shameful cougar.

Is it worth the investment, you ask. The shapers – being touted as the revolution in men’s underwear – are rather pricey, but this is what you get for your money:

The Zone Performance Crew Neck, $78, compresses the abs and torso, firms and tones the chest, improves posture and provides lumbar support and eliminates bulk under clothes.

The new, Cotton Comfort Boxer Brief, $48, lifts and adds dimension and depth for an enhanced profile, compresses legs, and has moisture cooling under groin.

And the Zone Performance V-Neck, $78, does all those other good things while aiding work outs with maximum mobility. In other words, you can cheat at the gym. Maybe not so much when you let it all hang out in the bedroom.

The success of the new undies is good news for retailers, but maybe not so for personal trainers and chiropractors who help men get ripped and relieve their back pain. Personally speaking, it seems the men’s version offers something the fem designs don’t. Mine do nothing for my posture or performance on the elliptical or during Zumba and I pull my back out every time I sit on my French vanity stool and struggle to climb out.

But at least my latest pair feature a pee hole which I greatly appreciate when I’m out partying and trapped. I can pull up my dress and relieve myself…just like a man. Just like a man in Spanx.

The post Spanx for Men: A Brief Trend or Bare Necessity? appeared first on EcoSalon.